Im from Puerto Rico, and this woman has helped me more than anyone here on PR who are actually supposed to help lol...! Great video! :) and i worked for a while with real estate and its exacly like this
Spanish is the OFFICIAL Language of Puerto Rico. So don’t assume or everyone has to even speak English. When in someone else home respect ✊🏽 their culture. How would you feel if someone came to your home and try to change your language, culture, and everything about it?
Nique, I’m from the island and yes Spanish and English are the two official languages. This doesn’t have to do anything with culture.. nobody is trying to change your culture that’s in your heart. I speak 3 languages and I’m still puertorican and American by birth.
this woman trying to help people and from all she said you just catshat if English or Spanish official language,,,at this point it is shameful that almost no one speaks English ,,other colonies speak English and they do not get angry that they ask them to speak English, because if you have not noticed English it is the universal language to communicate in the world and the other colonies that receive benefits and citizens have implemented English as official, but since we only want the money and citizenship and all the benefits of being an American citizen, we oppose progress, so much so that we elect governors who do not know English, speaking English would be the best thing for you. I can go to Puerto Rico, so when a Puerto Rican has to leave the island he does not have to complain so much about English and get good jobs, don't you think it would be good? The official language does not mean that they will give you papao if you speak Spanish You can talk all you want, it means that Puerto Rican people are bilingual and can defend themselves wherever they want to go and it would be a great advantage to others by being bilingual.
Our official language in contrast of US that doesn’t have an official language, our principal language is Spanish. So you are the one with language barriers!
I like your video and thank you for it. However SPANISH IS the official language- NOT ENGLISH- Some people speak English but is not our language, we learn it to help but don’t expect it everywhere
Wow so many people who respond to your video appear to express such distain toward the people of Puerto Rico. That is why many are not happy with your arrival. Tone down your arrogance and feelings of superiority. You all take advantage of the tax breaks and the hardship experienced by the natives due to the laws in place that continue to unjustly hold people captive in an oppressed system.
@@irisroldan-garcia805 Yeah she is using the best source of information (sarcasm). I live day to day on the island, born and raised, and know for a fact that english is given to us at an early age as a secondary language. In the more touristic parts of the island most people are fluent, but not even half of the Island are fluent speakers. Maybe in the future it will make it's improvements and people will be speaking it on the most parts of the island, but right know I strongly disagree.
Diane did you quote wikipedia in an effort to add more insult to injury? Don't you think you owe an apology for providing wrong information. As an attorney let me clarify that there is no way that English can be the official language in Puerto Rico when English is not even the official language in the United States. It is only the most common language in the United States. Please do your research when making statements as facts.
Thank you for your explanation. As a previous buyer in In the US, Puerto Rico experience was challenging at best. I couldn't understand why everyone under the sun was at the closing, and I grew up there! The other advice I can recommend is make sure you understand the probate structure on the island. We are preparing to look at some investment property there and your video was very valuable.
Oh wow! That was basically the same as the experience I had with my husband! We bought a condo in Rio Grande next to the beach. The length of the closing was the thing that really took us by surprise.
My wife and I are moving to Puerto Rico for the Act 20/22. We were hoping we could possibly meet up with you and your husband for lunch/dinner. Are you guys gone?.... or still keeping up your 51% status? Either way, if you're not up for company, no worries.
Diane Cohn I think there’s a an Facebook group that requires that you already have your Act 20/22 status before they accept you into the group, but we are a part of an HOA page for a community near Humacao that has a large number of “mainlanders”. We will probably do our reconnaissance trip in the first few months of next year. We have 2 huge Mastiffs (one is 226 lbs) that can only be brought by boat from Miami, so it will be a huge commitment to make the move... and because of our huge dogs, we probably won’t be able to “snowbird”.
Diane Cohn Yes, Palmas Del Mar seems to be where we think we will be moving to, but when we visit I was hoping to talk to mainlanders that did not choose Palmas Del Mar so that I could hear another point of view. I feel like we can’t get as much information on the Dorado community... and the Candado/San Juan area doesn’t seem to have as much of a self sustaining gated community as Palmas, or maybe Dorado which doesn’t have as many resources online for us to research. Thanks for the link. I will check it out.
Thanks for that information. Yeah, we kind of want to be a little ways away from San Juan, but still close enough that when we want to drive there it doesn’t seem daunting.
@@mastifflover504 Even though Dorado has nice real estate I never liked it bc it feels too hot for me. If I moved back I think I would look into property near El Yunque rainforest in either canovanas or Rio Grande or Carolina mountains with land and a gorgeous view of the ocean. It is high up there and colder than in most places near the coast while still being about 10 miles from the coast but high up. The only problem is also the two lane roads to go up there sometimes with horses taking the lanes and you having to go around them in zigzagging curvy roads. Nothing is ever ez right. Also if checking out Carolina check the mountains, not the valley. The mayor of Carolina really takes good care of civil services (garbage, road work, beautification, etc) not like the neighboring town of Canovanas. Carolina is big covering the Isla Verde beach, Piñones area, the Luis Muños Marin airport to the mountains in the background which you can see when you land if you are on the right side of the plane. So focus on the mountains closer to Canovanas, if you wanted to check it out. I realize my response may be too late by now.
I was born and raised in Ponce. I had 2 hours of English in school, MANDATORY. Who ever doesn't speak English in Puerto Rico, is because either they never went to school or flunk that subject. I learned pretty much good english, because l applied myself in school on the 2 hours class daily in school. And it made my life easier, when I moved to NY finding a job. Is an advantage being bilingual.
I am am puertorriqueña but grew up in Florida(still have family there) and married an "Americano" and we are interested in moving and buying a multifamily property ( and eventually buying 3 more multifamily properties to pass on to our children) but have no credit. How would we get started? I am conversationally bilingual.
Great video Diane. I'm from PR but love your videos. I guess I do worry sometimes on the impression we leave on our fellow Americans from the upper 48s. I've purchased houses in the states (TX) as well as in PR and I have to agree that there are lots of 'idiotsyncrasies' here when it comes to the real estate market and the financial industry. True. Some people feel the need to have a personal connection during a business transaction and, most of the times, is a honest one however, there are some that take advantage and attempt to lower your guard. I guess there're bad people everywhere you go. On another point, legally speaking, Spanish and English are both official languages in PR. So technically, you're half right (LOL). No business or government agency can reject a contract or official form if its written in English. In fact, is a legal requirement to provide both. Of course, depending on who you ask and their political affiliation, they'll answer either or to satisfy their preference. Funny how you can pretty much tell their political affiliation and attitude by their answer. Is true that most people speak more Spanish than English and, is a matter of personal interest whether a person becomes fluent or not, regardless whether you attended public or private school but that's rapidly changing. Most kids nowadays know lots of English and feel the pressure to some extent on learning it due to the Internet, tecnology and such. Generally speaking, most people that supposedly don't know English, understand more than they let on as I'm pretty sure you realized by now. As with many others in my school, I was completely fluent by the time I went into university and later into the Arm, and I attended public school my entire student life. I'm from central PR so location shouldn't be an excuse either. Whomever denies the importance of knowing English as 2nd language as well as your 1st are denying themselves great opportunities in their lives, even if they never leave the island.
good video. i bought my property from HUD Homes which at least the buyer seller agent both got a commission and the process was easier but still confusing lots of blind dumb luck on my part
@@dorkladytravels this was my first go around in the process- the buyer agent is the only one who can present/write an offer (at least in PR that was the case) and the seller agent can't represent both parties for HUD sale. I can't tell you what HUD does behind the scenes to determine which properties it approves but i can say it felt safer to avoid the "gotchas" in PR you talk about in your other video. i am very novice so very little advice but hope that was insightful with my experience.
English is NOT the official language of the USA. In fact the USA does not have an official language. Spanish has been spoken on the island for over 500 years. Kudos to most Puerto Ricans who are bi lingual unlike most Americans who only speak english.
My grandparents have an abandoned property in PR. I have the deed to the property. The children that are still alive would like to sell it. But the main problem I see...my grandparents listed too many people on that deed.🙄...some of the children are deceased, divorce there's even boyfriends on that deed. I don't know how to proceed
Whoever is in that deed you need their signature to do anything and if they are deceased you need the signature from their descendants meaning children or surviving spouse. That's a tough one, especially if you are afar.
It is not a Statute law at the Federal level. But if try recording a real estate document, or filing a court document in anything but in English, in any State in the US, it will be rejected because there are numerous rules and laws at State local and federal levels that state mandate the use of English.
@@dorkladytravels not only that but the inventors is trying to sell in gate communities but what is not built yet. That's the hard part plus they place u know waiting list.. well I'm kool with that nut can't wait to move to PR.. so I do agreed with friend...keep up good work. I just wait patiently until something comes around and I did saw other homes but they were under contract then when deal doesn't go.thru as I saw one Seller /owner had 6 offer : I was the 6th but he wanted to much for a damaged home.. I disagreed with him n I move on.. so no rush.. be safe !!!
What is that suppose to mean "it's Puerto Rico", so sarcastic...if your not happy you can always move somewhere else. You don't have the right to disrespect any country to make a point lady 😡
OMG Rebeca c'mon! This is what I hate from some ppl in PR, they take a lot of things personally. I was at the Plaza Americas mall fixing an issue with my mom's cell phone company at Claro's office and I told the lady rep that this companys service was so poor and she got a friggin' attitude with me as if she were the owner of the company. She did not understand I was criticizing the higher ups at the headquarters not her little store. There's a lot of that unfortunately. I understand what you mean but you have to see the intention behind it. She meant no disrespect and she's been there to experience the annally retentive process that everyone in the island have to go through.
Pretty cool information, but yeah, if you want to be part of Puerto Rican culture, the food, and the music, you should learn Spanish, It's very important. English it's only used in Tourist areas, Spanish is used throughout the Island, and that will never change. That is what bothers me the most when these foreigners move to the island, and don't respect the culture.
@@raulperez468 I think you meant bigoted, not racist. Also, there are 2 officials languages in the island, Spanish and English, while there’s no official language in the mainland if you want to be technical.
@@tainadelcaribe They didn't say otherwise, yet not everyone speaks English. I'm Puerto Rican (born and raised) and I used to think that everyone did, or the younger generations. When I stepped out of my "bubble", I realized that was not the case. I'd guess that only 10% of Puerto Ricans are fluent.
If you look at the family name and origins of Puerto Ricans you'll see anything from thousands of Corsicans to Irish and Chinese so why would it be different to mainland Americans. Language is very political might as well just learn Spanish plus you'll definitely fit in and be loved by doing so.
@@colivri336 Good point! But if I recall from the video, because it was 2 years I wrote this post.. she said english is the first language and it's not.. if I travel to Japan, or Brazil you bet I will learn the language and secondly respect the culture....
My Puerto Rican partner and I live in Chicago, but bought a place in Puerto Rico. Just buy directly from the owner and hire an attorney. You shouldn’t expect everything to align with the way we do things on the mainland.
bought a house in the states in the process of buying one now thanks for the info and you are right it is a different experience I have found that you get a better deal buying from the owner than the agent
Diane this was a very informative video it really opened up my eyes and made me see things from a foreign perspective. Since I'm in the process of becoming a real estate seller here on the island I really seek to start things on the right foot. I would like to be trustworthy, and I wouldn't like that my clients felt the uncertainty that you felt while buying the house. Where can I find a good blueprint for my contracts, and if you have any other tips they are very welcome.
Zillow has a lot more listing now than the link you provided. Perhaps they have become the default real estate aggregator in PR in the past year. Did anyone mention that Spanish is the official language :)
Diane, I'm debating on either buying or building in PR. Insurance back home is typically in your escrow. Your banks make you have insurance for the duration of your loan. Ive been told that insurance is different in PR. Any insight? Thankyou
Couple points. Buyers agent? Well. It’s really the ONLY thing sold in the US that even has such a thing. Why? Well. The regulations are built so that you NEED them really. It’s the only transaction the the laws are written so that the “agent” can only represent 1 party. Insane in other countries. We don’t question it because we don’t know any better. In other countries. The agent represents both parties. Once you have a transaction like that. Then and only then can things be fair.
Next. Measure everything? Check everything? Verify everything? Well, saying things like that implies again that in the US either everything is accurate, or there is a very easy way to have recourse. Both are so far from the truth. Actually if you read deeds. Descriptions of property. Titles. There always some verbiage that says it’s not going to be perfect. Then we buy “title insurance”. Again. 1 out of 50K titles. That’s how often is paid on a policy. Rare. Very very rare.
English is the official language on the Island??? So you impossed that to the boricuas too??? This was a spanish colony. And therefore their language is Spanish. Just because you americans came afterwards and seized it from Spain it doesn't mean they have to change their entire heritage to please your massive ignorance and laziness to learn a new language. Yet, you do take advantage of the low prices and low taxes rates. You come to the island to profit from it, so YOU start studying spanish and stop criticizing everything you don't like about them. You always have the option not to go there. I am not puertorican but i consider the way you address to all of their habits and ways to do things VERY disrespectful. You said in your videos that you lived there for 4 years, yet your spanish pronunciation is atrocious. Rather than saying: "you know, it's Puerto Rico" in such a derogative way, you should say: "you know, i'm an american, don't ask me for any kind of knowledge on other cultures or languages".
English is not the official language in Puerto Rico. This is a political bluff the official language is Spanish has been an will be, the PNP party did rise english as official, yeah like saying and writing down that the official langage in Mexico is english. really, just because you wrote it!! well you went to another country snd you expect to be like your country, really. Mainland? dont get it. Mainland is my land and yeah your land is your mainland!
@@jh-un9lj Right, Puerto Rico is not a different country but they do do things differently than on the continental US. I am of Puerto Rican descent and live in a major city and visit PR every year. There are major differences in how business is conducted on the island compared to the mainland. Diane is giving good info on her experiences and they are truthful. Some of the issues she addresses may not even be on our radar if we are from the states. I appreciate her videos, especially since I am planning on buying in PR in the future.
English was an official language in Puerto Rico from 1902-1991 and 1991-Currently. A simple online search or basic Puerto Rican history book would tell you this.
My wife and I purchased a nice penthouse condo, third floor, in the Dorado/Vega Alta border. From seeing the condo to closing it took me 30 days. I found a mortgage broker and I stood on top of the process and closed in record time. I financed thru the broker with Firstbank. All good. I am a Type A personality and I put everything in writing and constantly followed up to get things done!
I love your honesty! I’m in the process to moving to Puerto Rico and can attest to most points you’ve pointed out. I will definitely take your advise on this journey. Thank you!
You sound surprised you need to know basic Spanish when talking to puertoricans...it’s like when someone from Puerto Rico goes to the states expecting everybody to know Spanish 🙄
Disrespectful comment: "it's Puerto Rico!" . It sounds like "hey there is not a lot that you can get done here"...Real Estate transactions are obviously not the same everywhere.
I lived in PR for 10yrs and it was great, i was on the southern side of he island.. I am very familiar with the Dorado area but for me i preferred being away from that side of the island. I have to say that i am Eager to move back to PR again i really cant wait, I think that this next time i will choose to move to the western side of the island into the hills which are beautiful and are only around 20 minutes away from some wonderful beaches and some very nice towns.
Yes, I met a mayor's gal, can't really complain, I'd do your own valuations though , this video's about sales to ballers, not your average 'merican, so may taste a bit uppity to most
great info thanks I'm thinking of a rental property in Puerto Rico I want to be close to the main airport or tourist area and I want a condo or townhouse, what do you think? maybe Pounce or Sanjuan?
your Really exploiting our Puerto Rico...😢 soon there will bea Puerto Rico without Puerto Ricans.. you do have great info.. still, you are very much pushing them out.. if you don't know? speak to Puerto Ricans.. maybe they don't "follow thorough" because they don't want to deal with you individually..
I’m trying to buy a house there, took 3 days just to get a call from the listing agent, after 2 weeks I still can’t get an approximation of the property lines, can’t get a return call from the bank...
Great video.. I am broker in PR and Florida. To me when I arrive to Florida and saw, so many sentences at the contract was challenging to do business. Since in PR.. 1-2 pages and that's it. Go to closing!
Don't buy a home in Puerto Rico unless you are a Puertorican or Puertorican decendent there I said it. This land is small and we have plenty of Puertorricans who deserve to buy here first. So, don't come to Puerto Rico unless you are willing to pay Taxes, ok! Here for the free will no. Here is different and will not resonate with your culture. Unless you are prepared to pay Taxes and live according to Puerto Rican culture. Don't come here and try to World Wide it.!
I am trying to purchase in p.r. , I have bad experience which the connections , to get wath I want....went there I'm back to u.s.a. still hart to find someone to direct me there....give me a suggestion?
Can you share your attorneys name and office location I'm looking to purchase a home I'm actually from PuertoRico but I have had some bad experiences so I don't trust anyone
Sorry but English is not the official language not even in the US! And please change that Mexican song in the beginning please research our culture before coming here
I am a Realtor in Massachusetts looking to purchase in Puerto Rico . I am fluent in Spanish but my spouse dose not speak Spanish . I am in the beginning process of searching for lending . Would you mind sharing your lender with me ?
PR has the worst listings of anywhere, missing info, wrong info, listings with 3 crappy photos. And alot of the houses are garbage too, here's an average listing: 1,100 Sq ft 1 bath, 5 bedrooms, 2 car spots. And all the other stuff you mention. It's like the RE market is 30 / 40 years behind the US. The only decent listings are for the $450k and up homes. As for agents there not using the MLS much, it comes from a scarcity mindset, I think.
I love this channel so much 😄💛 she so right 😆 I often re-watch her videos looking for advice in real state so helpful. I’m Puertorrican but I’ve never purchase a home in the island I’m planning to do it is my country but I just laugh and cry at the same time because I know things can be like that 😅 I’m trying figure out the right way to do things in my island but it can be really challenging 😅😆 I’m so sorry for your experience 😢we are special 😅😃 PR need to fix few things around 😅😬 Thank you for sharing 🧡
I don't know about all that. Everyone speaks english. Even the ones with an accent they seem to understand what you're saying when you talk to them. I'm one of them except I don't have an accent.
A little note about inspections. When I sold my condo in North New Jersey about 10 years ago, I decided to stay home when the buyer's inspector came by with the buyer. The inspector was highly respectable and highly recommended by the town people per my agent. I couldn't believe all the lies this man would make up as he went along looking at appliances, furnace, etc. For example I had bought and installed a brand new water heater from Home Depot a month earlier. I wrote the date of purchase on it in big letters. He actually said in front of me that the water heater was about to die and needed to be replaced asap. I immediately said the water heater is brand new, I just bought it a month ago. He acted as if I wasn't even there. And then went on to say everything that was wrong with the HVAC system but the only thing is that there was NOTHING wrong with it. It was old yes but worked just fine. So that little jerk delayed my condo sale for a good 3 months bc the buyer who was some sadistic F, wanted me to fix everything the guy said and would not believe me even with proof that the inspector was lying. So lesson learned here is there are crooks with very good references and many titles everywhere.
hi, im sorry you went thru all that in PR, and just a quick FYI, English is not the main language in PR, spanish is, im sorry again that is what you thought. I hope and pray that you are now happier at your new home and that everything is working out :):)
Sometimes there's that misunderstanding of island living and their exquisite beautiful culture. Its not for this lovely lady thats trying to explain HER experience. Nice folks like her cannot connect with island living therefore its culture. Ill give her a short time before she leaves discontented from the beautiful paradise!
@@felixgarcia9063 😂. But to be fair she had to deal with Irma/Maria. But regardless these people are searching the island for white culture and to live with that "expat" experience. Otherwise they can't really tolerate "others". Her husband was on video trashing the island, very typical
I'm in the process of buying a house in Rio Grande and there is no information on closing cost. do you have an idea on how they calculate closing cost?
Im from Puerto Rico, and this woman has helped me more than anyone here on PR who are actually supposed to help lol...! Great video! :) and i worked for a while with real estate and its exacly like this
Nice.
Spanish is the OFFICIAL Language of Puerto Rico. So don’t assume or everyone has to even speak English. When in someone else home respect ✊🏽 their culture.
How would you feel if someone came to your home and try to change your language, culture, and everything about it?
Nique, I’m from the island and yes Spanish and English are the two official languages.
This doesn’t have to do anything with culture..
nobody is trying to change your culture that’s in your heart. I speak 3 languages and I’m still puertorican and American by birth.
I completely agree!
this woman trying to help people and from all she said you just catshat if English or Spanish official language,,,at this point it is shameful that almost no one speaks English ,,other colonies speak English and they do not get angry that they ask them to speak English, because if you have not noticed English it is the universal language to communicate in the world and the other colonies that receive benefits and citizens have implemented English as official, but since we only want the money and citizenship and all the benefits of being an American citizen, we oppose progress, so much so that we elect governors who do not know English, speaking English would be the best thing for you. I can go to Puerto Rico, so when a Puerto Rican has to leave the island he does not have to complain so much about English and get good jobs, don't you think it would be good? The official language does not mean that they will give you papao if you speak Spanish You can talk all you want, it means that Puerto Rican people are bilingual and can defend themselves wherever they want to go and it would be a great advantage to others by being bilingual.
Our official language in contrast of US that doesn’t have an official language, our principal language is Spanish. So you are the one with language barriers!
LADY!!!!! where did you get that english is the main language in the island??????
I like your video and thank you for it. However SPANISH IS the official language- NOT ENGLISH-
Some people speak English but is not our language, we learn it to help but don’t expect it everywhere
Wow so many people who respond to your video appear to express such distain toward the people of Puerto Rico. That is why many are not happy with your arrival. Tone down your arrogance and feelings of superiority. You all take advantage of the tax breaks and the hardship experienced by the natives due to the laws in place that continue to unjustly hold people captive in an oppressed system.
Bad attitude to have. Stay safe
English is not the official language of the island. We are fluent at it, in some areas more than others, but it’s not the offical language.
Wow ! Wikipedia the most reliable site to learn.
@@irisroldan-garcia805 Yeah she is using the best source of information (sarcasm). I live day to day on the island, born and raised, and know for a fact that english is given to us at an early age as a secondary language. In the more touristic parts of the island most people are fluent, but not even half of the Island are fluent speakers. Maybe in the future it will make it's improvements and people will be speaking it on the most parts of the island, but right know I strongly disagree.
Diane did you quote wikipedia in an effort to add more insult to injury? Don't you think you owe an apology for providing wrong information. As an attorney let me clarify that there is no way that English can be the official language in Puerto Rico when English is not even the official language in the United States. It is only the most common language in the United States. Please do your research when making statements as facts.
because??
@@theraptureisnearbelieveinj448
Thank you for your explanation. As a previous buyer in In the US, Puerto Rico experience was challenging at best. I couldn't understand why everyone under the sun was at the closing, and I grew up there! The other advice I can recommend is make sure you understand the probate structure on the island. We are preparing to look at some investment property there and your video was very valuable.
@@dorkladytravels What is different. I have heard that if your spouse dies they ignore the will and it goes to the deceased kids?? Is that true?
Oh wow! That was basically the same as the experience I had with my husband! We bought a condo in Rio Grande next to the beach. The length of the closing was the thing that really took us by surprise.
My wife and I are moving to Puerto Rico for the Act 20/22.
We were hoping we could possibly meet up with you and your husband for lunch/dinner.
Are you guys gone?.... or still keeping up your 51% status?
Either way, if you're not up for company, no worries.
Diane Cohn I think there’s a an Facebook group that requires that you already have your Act 20/22 status before they accept you into the group, but we are a part of an HOA page for a community near Humacao that has a large number of “mainlanders”. We will probably do our reconnaissance trip in the first few months of next year.
We have 2 huge Mastiffs (one is 226 lbs) that can only be brought by boat from Miami, so it will be a huge commitment to make the move... and because of our huge dogs, we probably won’t be able to “snowbird”.
Diane Cohn Yes, Palmas Del Mar seems to be where we think we will be moving to, but when we visit I was hoping to talk to mainlanders that did not choose Palmas Del Mar so that I could hear another point of view. I feel like we can’t get as much information on the Dorado community... and the Candado/San Juan area doesn’t seem to have as much of a self sustaining gated community as Palmas, or maybe Dorado which doesn’t have as many resources online for us to research.
Thanks for the link. I will check it out.
Thanks for that information. Yeah, we kind of want to be a little ways away from San Juan, but still close enough that when we want to drive there it doesn’t seem daunting.
@@mastifflover504 Even though Dorado has nice real estate I never liked it bc it feels too hot for me. If I moved back I think I would look into property near El Yunque rainforest in either canovanas or Rio Grande or Carolina mountains with land and a gorgeous view of the ocean. It is high up there and colder than in most places near the coast while still being about 10 miles from the coast but high up. The only problem is also the two lane roads to go up there sometimes with horses taking the lanes and you having to go around them in zigzagging curvy roads. Nothing is ever ez right. Also if checking out Carolina check the mountains, not the valley. The mayor of Carolina really takes good care of civil services (garbage, road work, beautification, etc) not like the neighboring town of Canovanas. Carolina is big covering the Isla Verde beach, Piñones area, the Luis Muños Marin airport to the mountains in the background which you can see when you land if you are on the right side of the plane. So focus on the mountains closer to Canovanas, if you wanted to check it out. I realize my response may be too late by now.
Thank you very much. I'm will buy a house in the future in Puerto Rico. Very useful...
Lots of great detail. Thank you.
Thank You Diane! Grateful this video : ) We are moving to Rincon this year! Just took dozens of notes from your video. Great Stuff Keep it up!
I was born and raised in Ponce. I had 2 hours of English in school, MANDATORY. Who ever doesn't speak English in Puerto Rico, is because either they never went to school or flunk that subject. I learned pretty much good english, because l applied myself in school on the 2 hours class daily in school. And it made my life easier, when I moved to NY finding a job. Is an advantage being bilingual.
I am am puertorriqueña but grew up in Florida(still have family there) and married an "Americano" and we are interested in moving and buying a multifamily property ( and eventually buying 3 more multifamily properties to pass on to our children) but have no credit. How would we get started? I am conversationally bilingual.
Great video Diane. I'm from PR but love your videos. I guess I do worry sometimes on the impression we leave on our fellow Americans from the upper 48s. I've purchased houses in the states (TX) as well as in PR and I have to agree that there are lots of 'idiotsyncrasies' here when it comes to the real estate market and the financial industry. True. Some people feel the need to have a personal connection during a business transaction and, most of the times, is a honest one however, there are some that take advantage and attempt to lower your guard. I guess there're bad people everywhere you go. On another point, legally speaking, Spanish and English are both official languages in PR. So technically, you're half right (LOL). No business or government agency can reject a contract or official form if its written in English. In fact, is a legal requirement to provide both. Of course, depending on who you ask and their political affiliation, they'll answer either or to satisfy their preference. Funny how you can pretty much tell their political affiliation and attitude by their answer. Is true that most people speak more Spanish than English and, is a matter of personal interest whether a person becomes fluent or not, regardless whether you attended public or private school but that's rapidly changing. Most kids nowadays know lots of English and feel the pressure to some extent on learning it due to the Internet, tecnology and such. Generally speaking, most people that supposedly don't know English, understand more than they let on as I'm pretty sure you realized by now. As with many others in my school, I was completely fluent by the time I went into university and later into the Arm, and I attended public school my entire student life. I'm from central PR so location shouldn't be an excuse either. Whomever denies the importance of knowing English as 2nd language as well as your 1st are denying themselves great opportunities in their lives, even if they never leave the island.
This whole thing is embarrassing. I cringed reading this. Super dobla'o.
Hello, Great Informative video! Taking notes. Who did you use as your lawyer? Im looking to purchase! Thank You!
It sounds like a lot of hoops to jump through. Is the short term rental market worth investing in down there?
Is there any lawyers you recommend?
If someone wants to buy elsewhere in the island can they use your people?
Do you think the prices will fall in Puerto Rico
Conquerors will pose as friendly liberators. STNG.
Can you recommend a good realtor in PR or do You still handle it yourself ? I am in Isla Verde.
@@dorkladytravels thank You, appreciate your recommendation and a Happy New Year !
English is not the main language on my island it’s spanish
good video. i bought my property from HUD Homes which at least the buyer seller agent both got a commission and the process was easier but still confusing lots of blind dumb luck on my part
@@dorkladytravels this was my first go around in the process- the buyer agent is the only one who can present/write an offer (at least in PR that was the case) and the seller agent can't represent both parties for HUD sale. I can't tell you what HUD does behind the scenes to determine which properties it approves but i can say it felt safer to avoid the "gotchas" in PR you talk about in your other video. i am very novice so very little advice but hope that was insightful with my experience.
@@allenpetebenedetti6160 how much under asking price did you offer hud?
English is NOT the official language of the USA. In fact the USA does not have an official language. Spanish has been spoken on the island for over 500 years. Kudos to most Puerto Ricans who are bi lingual unlike most Americans who only speak english.
This is some great information Diane, I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos!
My grandparents have an abandoned property in PR. I have the deed to the property. The children that are still alive would like to sell it. But the main problem I see...my grandparents listed too many people on that deed.🙄...some of the children are deceased, divorce there's even boyfriends on that deed. I don't know how to proceed
Whoever is in that deed you need their signature to do anything and if they are deceased you need the signature from their descendants meaning children or surviving spouse. That's a tough one, especially if you are afar.
English is not the official language in Puerto Rico. Technically speaking, it’s not even the official language in the USA
It is not a Statute law at the Federal level. But if try recording a real estate document, or filing a court document in anything but in English, in any State in the US, it will be rejected because there are numerous rules and laws at State local and federal levels that state mandate the use of English.
Well articulated points and very informative. Hopefully you will return to live on the island soon. Take care!
@@dorkladytravels God Bless you and thank you so much for advocating the Island.
HI dear... I'm looking to buy in PR.. no luck so far...
@@dorkladytravels not only that but the inventors is trying to sell in gate communities but what is not built yet. That's the hard part plus they place u know waiting list.. well I'm kool with that nut can't wait to move to PR.. so I do agreed with friend...keep up good work. I just wait patiently until something comes around and I did saw other homes but they were under contract then when deal doesn't go.thru as I saw one Seller /owner had 6 offer : I was the 6th but he wanted to much for a damaged home.. I disagreed with him n I move on.. so no rush.. be safe !!!
What is that suppose to mean "it's Puerto Rico", so sarcastic...if your not happy you can always move somewhere else. You don't have the right to disrespect any country to make a point lady 😡
OMG Rebeca c'mon! This is what I hate from some ppl in PR, they take a lot of things personally. I was at the Plaza Americas mall fixing an issue with my mom's cell phone company at Claro's office and I told the lady rep that this companys service was so poor and she got a friggin' attitude with me as if she were the owner of the company. She did not understand I was criticizing the higher ups at the headquarters not her little store. There's a lot of that unfortunately. I understand what you mean but you have to see the intention behind it. She meant no disrespect and she's been there to experience the annally retentive process that everyone in the island have to go through.
Great information thank you! However some people here are in there feelings. LOL I didn’t take it personal.
Diane Cohn I was born In Puerto Rico and been living in the states for 33 years. I’m seriously considering moving back to Puerto Rico.
Pretty cool information, but yeah, if you want to be part of Puerto Rican culture, the food, and the music, you should learn Spanish, It's very important. English it's only used in Tourist areas, Spanish is used throughout the Island, and that will never change. That is what bothers me the most when these foreigners move to the island, and don't respect the culture.
@@raulperez468 I think you meant bigoted, not racist. Also, there are 2 officials languages in the island, Spanish and English, while there’s no official language in the mainland if you want to be technical.
@@tainadelcaribe They didn't say otherwise, yet not everyone speaks English. I'm Puerto Rican (born and raised) and I used to think that everyone did, or the younger generations. When I stepped out of my "bubble", I realized that was not the case. I'd guess that only 10% of Puerto Ricans are fluent.
If you look at the family name and origins of Puerto Ricans you'll see anything from thousands of Corsicans to Irish and Chinese so why would it be different to mainland Americans. Language is very political might as well just learn Spanish plus you'll definitely fit in and be loved by doing so.
@@colivri336 Good point! But if I recall from the video, because it was 2 years I wrote this post.. she said english is the first language and it's not.. if I travel to Japan, or Brazil you bet I will learn the language and secondly respect the culture....
What's the fastest way to learn Spanish? Because I'm moving to puerto rico soon
great vlog!
My Puerto Rican partner and I live in Chicago, but bought a place in Puerto Rico. Just buy directly from the owner and hire an attorney. You shouldn’t expect everything to align with the way we do things on the mainland.
bought a house in the states in the process of buying one now thanks for the info and you are right it is a different experience I have found that you get a better deal buying from the owner than the agent
… and I completely agree with all of this. Great information.
Diane this was a very informative video it really opened up my eyes and made me see things from a foreign perspective. Since I'm in the process of becoming a real estate seller here on the island I really seek to start things on the right foot. I would like to be trustworthy, and I wouldn't like that my clients felt the uncertainty that you felt while buying the house. Where can I find a good blueprint for my contracts, and if you have any other tips they are very welcome.
@@dorkladytravels Thanks a lot!! I'm from Bayamon is like 20 minutes from Dorado if the traffic not heavy.
Zillow has a lot more listing now than the link you provided. Perhaps they have become the default real estate aggregator in PR in the past year. Did anyone mention that Spanish is the official language :)
A townhouse in Dorado? What abut a tiny house off the grid in Manati?
Our official language is Spanish 😅
My experience exactly lol Horrible lol
Diane,
I'm debating on either buying or building in PR. Insurance back home is typically in your escrow. Your banks make you have insurance for the duration of your loan. Ive been told that insurance is different in PR. Any insight? Thankyou
Couple points.
Buyers agent? Well. It’s really the ONLY thing sold in the US that even has such a thing. Why? Well. The regulations are built so that you NEED them really. It’s the only transaction the the laws are written so that the “agent” can only represent 1 party. Insane in other countries. We don’t question it because we don’t know any better.
In other countries. The agent represents both parties. Once you have a transaction like that. Then and only then can things be fair.
Great video and thanks for sharing the knowledge. Finding the value of a home is challenging.
Sounds like the absence of standardization is an issue.
Next.
Measure everything? Check everything? Verify everything?
Well, saying things like that implies again that in the US either everything is accurate, or there is a very easy way to have recourse. Both are so far from the truth.
Actually if you read deeds. Descriptions of property. Titles. There always some verbiage that says it’s not going to be perfect. Then we buy “title insurance”. Again. 1 out of 50K titles. That’s how often is paid on a policy. Rare. Very very rare.
English is the official language on the Island??? So you impossed that to the boricuas too??? This was a spanish colony. And therefore their language is Spanish. Just because you americans came afterwards and seized it from Spain it doesn't mean they have to change their entire heritage to please your massive ignorance and laziness to learn a new language. Yet, you do take advantage of the low prices and low taxes rates. You come to the island to profit from it, so YOU start studying spanish and stop criticizing everything you don't like about them. You always have the option not to go there. I am not puertorican but i consider the way you address to all of their habits and ways to do things VERY disrespectful. You said in your videos that you lived there for 4 years, yet your spanish pronunciation is atrocious. Rather than saying: "you know, it's Puerto Rico" in such a derogative way, you should say: "you know, i'm an american, don't ask me for any kind of knowledge on other cultures or languages".
English is not the official language in Puerto Rico.
This is a political bluff
the official language is Spanish has been an will be, the PNP party did rise english as official, yeah like saying and writing down that the official langage in Mexico is english. really, just because you wrote it!!
well you went to another country snd you expect to be like your country, really.
Mainland? dont get it.
Mainland is my land and yeah your land is your mainland!
Puerto Rico is not a different country..
@@jh-un9lj Right, Puerto Rico is not a different country but they do do things differently than on the continental US. I am of Puerto Rican descent and live in a major city and visit PR every year.
There are major differences in how business is conducted on the island compared to the mainland. Diane is giving good info on her experiences and they are truthful. Some of the issues she addresses may not even be on our radar if we are from the states. I appreciate her videos, especially since I am planning on buying in PR in the future.
English is not the official language of the archipelago of Puerto Rico.
English is NOT the official language. Spanish is official language as of the federal court ruling.
English is not the official language....your spanish was better than their english?
Been here a week 6/2024 Don't know Spanish they mostly speak some type of English. I'M getting along well
English was an official language in Puerto Rico from 1902-1991 and 1991-Currently. A simple online search or basic Puerto Rican history book would tell you this.
English is not the official language in Puerto Rico.
Like the way you talk, delightful.
English is not the official language. On my island it’s spanish
My wife and I purchased a nice penthouse condo, third floor, in the Dorado/Vega Alta border. From seeing the condo to closing it took me 30 days. I found a mortgage broker and I stood on top of the process and closed in record time. I financed thru the broker with Firstbank. All good. I am a Type A personality and I put everything in writing and constantly followed up to get things done!
Hi Felix can you recommend your loan broker ? Thank you
You could have just used PenFed and saved a lot of your headache finding the mortgage. PenFed is the Credit Union for the Pentagon.
The main language is Spanish not English.
I love your honesty! I’m in the process to moving to Puerto Rico and can attest to most points you’ve pointed out. I will definitely take your advise on this journey. Thank you!
You sound surprised you need to know basic Spanish when talking to puertoricans...it’s like when someone from Puerto Rico goes to the states expecting everybody to know Spanish 🙄
@@dorkladytravels Google that's all you needed...hmm smh
@@dorkladytravels the official language is Spanish. Period. I don’t knot know what website you read that on, but NO.
Disrespectful comment: "it's Puerto Rico!" . It sounds like "hey there is not a lot that you can get done here"...Real Estate transactions are obviously not the same everywhere.
I have an "IN" with PR friends and in-laws.
I lived in PR for 10yrs and it was great, i was on the southern side of he island.. I am very familiar with the Dorado area but for me i preferred being away from that side of the island. I have to say that i am Eager to move back to PR again i really cant wait, I think that this next time i will choose to move to the western side of the island into the hills which are beautiful and are only around 20 minutes away from some wonderful beaches and some very nice towns.
Yes, I met a mayor's gal, can't really complain, I'd do your own valuations though , this video's about sales to ballers, not your average 'merican, so may taste a bit uppity to most
@@dorkladytravels th-cam.com/video/5xazrc3_xqk/w-d-xo.html, this may help!
Who was your lawyer?
??.. Im in awe as to why some of these real estate 'ways' of behaving and dealing are not illegal!?
You said “it’s Puerto Rico” lol😂
Thank you maybe I will bye a house in Carolina close to the airport. Thank you.
New subscriber
great info thanks I'm thinking of a rental property in Puerto Rico I want to be close to the main airport or tourist area and I want a condo or townhouse, what do you think? maybe Pounce or Sanjuan?
Yo Gurl!! Great video BUT what about TITLE INSURANCE
your Really exploiting our Puerto Rico...😢 soon there will bea Puerto Rico without Puerto Ricans..
you do have great info.. still, you are very much pushing them out..
if you don't know? speak to Puerto Ricans..
maybe they don't "follow thorough" because they don't want to deal with you individually..
I’m trying to buy a house there, took 3 days just to get a call from the listing agent, after 2 weeks I still can’t get an approximation of the property lines, can’t get a return call from the bank...
Great video.. I am broker in PR and Florida. To me when I arrive to Florida and saw, so many sentences at the contract was challenging to do business. Since in PR.. 1-2 pages and that's it. Go to closing!
Don't buy a home in Puerto Rico unless you are a Puertorican or Puertorican decendent there I said it. This land is small and we have plenty of Puertorricans who deserve to buy here first. So, don't come to Puerto Rico unless you are willing to pay Taxes, ok! Here for the free will no. Here is different and will not resonate with your culture. Unless you are prepared to pay Taxes and live according to Puerto Rican culture. Don't come here and try to World Wide it.!
Our official language is Spanish, learn it.
Just looking for a cheap room...bed,bathroom and microwave....long time....any ideas???
People should stop purchasing property to privatize public beaches.
I am trying to purchase in p.r. , I have bad experience which the connections , to get wath I want....went there I'm back to u.s.a. still hart to find someone to direct me there....give me a suggestion?
While I’m watching your videos, I’m wondering ¿why she just simply go back to the neat, better, decent honest and perfect US?
Can you share your attorneys name and office location I'm looking to purchase a home I'm actually from PuertoRico but I have had some bad experiences so I don't trust anyone
Sorry but English is not the official language not even in the US! And please change that Mexican song in the beginning please research our culture before coming here
Thank you,we will move back to PR in July ,we though about Dorado
LOL!!!!! YES!!! Welcome to PR! I love this video!
What lawyer did you used? I need to recommend one to a friend.
Excelente, Muchas gracias 🙏🏼, good information
Im from states-- can i buy an apt for 100k cash and rent it out?
Very high in violent crimes. That's the entire island.
They avg 2 closings per day in PR. Scheduled lol
I am a Realtor in Massachusetts looking to purchase in Puerto Rico . I am fluent in Spanish but my spouse dose not speak Spanish . I am in the beginning process of searching for lending . Would you mind sharing your lender with me ?
First Bank
PR has the worst listings of anywhere, missing info, wrong info, listings with 3 crappy photos. And alot of the houses are garbage too, here's an average listing: 1,100 Sq ft 1 bath, 5 bedrooms, 2 car spots. And all the other stuff you mention. It's like the RE market is 30 / 40 years behind the US. The only decent listings are for the $450k and up homes. As for agents there not using the MLS much, it comes from a scarcity mindset, I think.
Great video thanks
That's why I always tell people go to Puerto Rico best vacations
Yes awesome food , USA money and no passport needed
I love this channel so much 😄💛 she so right 😆 I often re-watch her videos looking for advice in real state so helpful. I’m Puertorrican but I’ve never purchase a home in the island I’m planning to do it is my country but I just laugh and cry at the same time because I know things can be like that 😅 I’m trying figure out the right way to do things in my island but it can be really challenging 😅😆 I’m so sorry for your experience 😢we are special 😅😃 PR need to fix few things around 😅😬 Thank you for sharing 🧡
Best of luck with your purchase. Keep persisting, you'll get there!
Common languages
94.3% Spanish
5.5% English
0.2% other
I don't know about all that. Everyone speaks english. Even the ones with an accent they seem to understand what you're saying when you talk to them. I'm one of them except I don't have an accent.
A little note about inspections. When I sold my condo in North New Jersey about 10 years ago, I decided to stay home when the buyer's inspector came by with the buyer. The inspector was highly respectable and highly recommended by the town people per my agent. I couldn't believe all the lies this man would make up as he went along looking at appliances, furnace, etc. For example I had bought and installed a brand new water heater from Home Depot a month earlier. I wrote the date of purchase on it in big letters. He actually said in front of me that the water heater was about to die and needed to be replaced asap. I immediately said the water heater is brand new, I just bought it a month ago. He acted as if I wasn't even there. And then went on to say everything that was wrong with the HVAC system but the only thing is that there was NOTHING wrong with it. It was old yes but worked just fine. So that little jerk delayed my condo sale for a good 3 months bc the buyer who was some sadistic F, wanted me to fix everything the guy said and would not believe me even with proof that the inspector was lying. So lesson learned here is there are crooks with very good references and many titles everywhere.
That is an unusual experience and I’ve bought a house in NY and NJ, both older homes. Different inspectors who were realistic.
hi, im sorry you went thru all that in PR, and just a quick FYI, English is not the main language in PR, spanish is, im sorry again that is what you thought. I hope and pray that you are now happier at your new home and that everything is working out :):)
Sometimes there's that misunderstanding of island living and their exquisite beautiful culture. Its not for this lovely lady thats trying to explain HER experience. Nice folks like her cannot connect with island living therefore its culture. Ill give her a short time before she leaves discontented from the beautiful paradise!
She already left years ago
@@nesq4104 😂🤣😅There you have it!
@@felixgarcia9063 😂. But to be fair she had to deal with Irma/Maria. But regardless these people are searching the island for white culture and to live with that "expat" experience. Otherwise they can't really tolerate "others". Her husband was on video trashing the island, very typical
I'm in the process of buying a house in Rio Grande and there is no information on closing cost. do you have an idea on how they calculate closing cost?
Hey do you still live in Puerto Rico. I live here and I can find some nice cheap house for sale. Let me know please
Hi Diane I am looking for a property in puerto rico and need a real state agent from there. Can you recomend me one?
fernando